Raids at prisons in Bihar to control crime after formation of new govt

Bihar government, led by Samrat Choudhary, conducted statewide surprise jail raids to strengthen prison security and reforms, with extensive searches across facilities finding no contraband while signalling stricter monitoring and discipline in correctional institutions

Patna: In a significant move towards tightening prison security and advancing jail reforms, the Bihar administration launched a series of statewide surprise raids across multiple correctional facilities immediately after Samrat Choudhary assumed office as Chief Minister.

Conducted early on Friday morning, the coordinated operations involved joint teams of police and civil administration officials. Every ward, barrack, and inmate’s personal belongings were thoroughly searched, triggering heightened alertness among prisoners.

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Notably, no contraband or objectionable items were recovered during the extensive checks. In Samastipur, an intensive raid was carried out at the Divisional Jail under the leadership of Sub-Divisional Officer, Dilip Kumar, and SDPO Sanjay Pandey.

The objective was to evaluate on-ground security arrangements and ensure strict law and order within the jail premises. In North Bihar, a large-scale operation was conducted at the Shaheed Khudiram Bose Central Jail in Muzaffarpur.

Beginning around 4.30 AM, the raid was led by District Magistrate, Subrat Kumar Sen, and Senior Superintendent of Police, Kantesh Kumar Mishra. With heavy police deployment, teams carried out a meticulous search of all wards, including high-security cells housing notorious criminals. Bedding, restrooms, and hidden corners were examined in detail.

SSP Mishra stated that the operation was part of a broader directive from Police Headquarters and confirmed that such surprise inspections will continue regularly. In East Champaran, a similar joint raid was conducted at Motihari Central Jail under the supervision of District Magistrate, Saurabh Jorwal, and Superintendent of Police, Swarn Prabhat.

Officials inspected every section of the jail, including barracks, kitchens, visitor areas, and even staff quarters. DM Saurabh Jorwal emphasised that the exercise was aimed at maintaining discipline and preventing any unlawful activities.

“We are committed to jail reforms and prisoner rehabilitation, but violations will not be tolerated,” he stated.

Raids were also carried out at the Central Jail and Sherghati Sub-Jail in Gaya district. Led by the City Superintendent of Police, the operation involved multiple officers and police units. Despite hours-long searches, no illegal items were recovered here as well.

The coordinated statewide crackdown signals a proactive and preventive approach by the new government, focussing on tightening prison security, dismantling potential criminal networks operating from within jails, and reinforcing discipline across correctional institutions.